Palm Desert/Indian Wells, CA, Oct. 3, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Living Desert, located in Palm Desert, California, is offering the public a chance to name their two male jaguar cubs with a unique online eBay auction and an onsite contest. The auction winner will receive a grand prize that includes the right to name the jaguar cub, a framed photo of the cub, a private behind the scenes jaguar tour for up to four people among other prizes.
The eBay auction is in progress and is open to everyone. The names will be announced at The Living Desert at the end of La Gran Fiesta on Saturday, October 11th. The eBay link can be found at: www.LivingDesert.org. Rules for naming of the male jaguar cub include the following:
1) Suggested names must have an association with the jaguar's native habitat in America.
2) No derogatory names will be accepted.
3) The Living Desert reserves the right of final name approval.
With two cubs, the second way to help name one of the jaguars is onsite at The Living Desert. Guests can pay one dollar per vote at the jaguar exhibit. The name with the most votes will win. The four names that visitors can choose from include:
· Rico - "Rich"
· Cazador - "Hunter"
· Espero - "Hope"
· Feroz - "Wild/Brave"
The male cubs were born on April 26th to Magia and Memo who were brought together as part of the Species Survival Plan. They are the first ever jaguar cubs birthed at The Living Desert. The jaguar is the third-largest feline after the tiger and the lion, and the largest in the Western Hemisphere. The jaguar is a carnivore, feeding only on meat and weighs between 124-211 pounds.
The Living Desert zoo and gardens conducted a highly successful eBay auction earlier this year with the naming of a baby giraffe. Money raised through the auction directly supports The Living Desert's conservation and preservation efforts.
"Holding an eBay auction is an exciting way to get not only our regular guests involved, but animal lovers from around the country have a chance to participate in the auction as well," said Allen Monroe, President & CEO of The Living Desert. "It's not often you get a chance to name an animal at a zoo."
The Living Desert is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission ranges from $8.75-$17.25 (children under 3 are free). Membership prices begin at $60 for an individual and $105 for a family of four and includes early admission, discounts, special events and more. For more information: (760) 346-5694 or visit www.LivingDesert.org.
About The Living Desert:
The Living Desert is an AZA-accredited zoo and gardens that is dedicated to conservation and education. It is a family-friendly place to explore nature and create meaningful experiences for guests that are remembered for a lifetime. For more information: (760) 346-5694 or visit www.LivingDesert.org. The Living Desert is located at: 47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
A photo accompanying this release is available at:
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=28149
